ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Czech film Erhart makes its Asian Premiere in 53rd IFFI
A romantic film in the background of the country’s political situation: Director Jan Brezina
#IFFIWood, 22 November 2022
‘A romantic film in the background of the country’s political situation’ is how Director Jan Brezina describes his debut fiction feature film ‘Erhart’. The Czech Republic’s film made its Asian Premiere in the 53rd International Film Festival of India .
The film narrates the story of a 23- year old young man who returns to his hometown to take of his mother and discovers dangerous truth about his family’s past and the dark legacy of the local community.
Speaking about his country’s history in the press conference, Jan Brezina stated, “Czech Republic transformed 30 years ago from a socialist regime to capitalist regime. It was kind of a mess. All the property which was owned by state was privatised. There were crimes connected to that. All that happened thirty years ago. But it still has some impact as on date. So, my idea was to see how it is perceived by younger generation of Czech Republic today”.
The film will be released in Czech Republic in spring or winter next year, stated Producer Marek Novak. Speaking about his country’s film market, he explained, “It is not meaningful to compare India and Czech Republic in terms of film market size; we are a country of just 10 million and we make around 30-35 fiction feature films in a year”. Marek also informed that in post-pandemic period, there has been a huge backlog of films which were waiting to be released in his country as there are five to six premieres every week. That’s a lot for a country our size ” Hence, Erhart team wants to wait till this rush wavers, he added.
Erhart has been screened at the 32nd edition of the Film Festival Cottbus.
Table talk on this film is available at :
President's Secretariat
President of India Inaugurates National Youth Summit
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the National Youth Summit in New Delhi today , organised by the Youth Awakening Mission, a youth wing of Paavan Chintan Dhara Charitable Trust, Ghaziabad.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that today's India is full of youth power. Our youth have immense talent and energy. This talent and energy needs to be properly developed and utilized. Eight hundred million youth of our country, with their creative power, can take India to new heights of progress and human civilization.
The President said that we have to work for the betterment and welfare of ourselves, society and country. The role of education is the most important in awakening the right vision and prudence to achieve this objective. He said that a self-reliant and nation-loving person can contribute to nation-building by working in any field of life.
Ministry of Education
Union Education Minister announces the date sheets of the Class X and XII CBSE Board Examinations
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ today announced the date-sheets of the Class X and XII CBSE Board Examinations.
Announcing the date sheets, the Minister informed that sufficient days have been given between the exams of two main subjects. This will give ample time to students for preparation and reduce the stress of the students, he added. Minister extended his best wishes to the students for their exams.
Click here to see the date sheets of the Class X CBSE Board Examinations:
https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents//FINAL-Date%20Sheet%2002.02.2021%20-%20X.pdf
Click here to see the date sheets of the Class XII CBSE Board Examinations:
https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents//FINAL%20Date%20Sheet%2002.02.2021%20-%20XII.pdf
Ministry of Steel
Import of Scrapped Steel
The details of country’s import of scrapped steel during the last three years are given below: -
|
|
Year
|
|
Import 
|
|
2019-20
|
|
6.566
|
|
2020-21
|
|
5.571
|
|
2021-22
|
|
4.845
|
|
Source: Joint Plant Committee 
Steel is a deregulated sector and role of the Government is that of a facilitator for creating conducive environment for development of steel sector in the country.
Accordingly, the Government of India notified the National Steel Policy, 2017 which laid down the broad roadmap for encouraging long term growth for the Indian steel industry both on demand and supply sides by 2030-31. The Policy envisages total crude steel production of 255 MT and the total finished steel demand of 230 MT by 2030-31.
Ministry of Steel notified the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy on 7th November, 2019. The policy provides a framework to facilitate and promote establishment of metal scrapping centres in India for scientific processing & recycling of ferrous scrap generated from various sources and a variety of products. The Policy provides standard guidelines for setting up dismantling centre and scrap processing centre, roles of aggregators and responsibilities of the Government, manufacturer and owner. As per the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, the role of Government is that of a facilitator to create conducive eco-system for the entrepreneurs and investors to establish scrap centres in the country. The decision to set up scrap centres by the entrepreneurs is based on commercial considerations.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Government of India and Asian Development Bank  sign $200 Million Loan to improve State Highways in Bihar
The Asian Development Bank  and the Government of India signed here today in New Delhi a $200 million loan on 26.11.20L8 to finance widening and upgrading of about 230 Kilometers State Highways in Bihar to all-weather standards with road safety features.
The signatories to the loan agreement for the Bihar State Highways III Project  were Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary , Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, who signed on behalf of the Government of India, and Mr. Rajeev P. Singh, Officer in-Charge of ADB's India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB. The project agreement was signed by Mr. Vipin Kumar, Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Bihar and Mr. Chandra Shekhar, Chief General Manager, Bihar State Roads Development Corporation Limited.
After signing the Loan Agreement, Mr. Khare said that this loan will complement the efforts of the Government of Bihar to upgrade all State Highways to meet the minimum two-lane standard with better surfaces and improved road safety leading to improved connectivity.
Mr. Singh said that the New Loan will continue ADB's support in the development of the road sector in Bihar. The improved roads under the Project will contribute to savings in vehicle operating cost and travel time, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve road safety. The Project will also establish a State-level Road Research Institute to improve technical and management capacity of the Road Agency Staff.
Since 2008, ADB has provided four loans to Bihar, amounting to $1.43 billion, to upgrade about 1,453 km of State Highways and to construct a New Bridge over the Ganga River near Patna.
This BSHP-III project, approved by the ADB Board in October this year, will involve upgrading State Highways to standard two-lane width with road safety features and paved shoulders including reconstructing, widening, and strengthening culverts and bridges. The Project will also build institutional capacity of the State for road design and maintenance and incorporate appropriate new technologies in the State's road sub-sector.
Ministry of Defence
INS Tarkash at Tangier, Morocco
Indian Naval Ship Tarkash arrived at Tangier, Morocco today for a three day visit. The visit is part of an ongoing Overseas Deployment by the Indian Navy to the Mediterranean Sea, Africa and Europe. The visit seeks to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Morocco.
INS Tarkash, commanded by Captain Sathish Vasudev, is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all three dimensions. The ship is a part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet and is under the operational Command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
During the port call, various dignitaries and government officials of Morocco including senior naval officers are scheduled to visit the ship. The ship would also take part in numerous professional, social and sporting interactions planned with the Royal Moroccan Navy. On departing the port, INS Tarkash will carry out a Passage Exercise at sea with ships of the Royal Moroccan Navy.
DKS/MS
(Visitor Counter : 897
PIB Headquarters
Small savings account holders should link their Aadhar / Mobile number
Postal department has informed that all post office small savings account holders should link their Aadhar/Mobile number to respective accounts before 31st December 2017. Customers can link their Aadhar/Mobile numbers across the Post office savings bank counters.
GK ERL: 303
(Visitor Counter : 10
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s Message at Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day programme
Lord Buddha is all the more relevant in times of Corona pandemic: PM
India has shown how we can face even the most difficult challenge by following the path of Buddha: PM
In times of tragedy, the world has felt the power his teachings: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has said that Lord Buddha is all the more relevant in today’s times of Corona pandemic. India has shown how we can face even the most difficult challenge by following the path of the Buddha. Entire world is moving in solidarity following the teachings of the Buddha. In this, ‘care with prayer’ initiative of the International Buddhist Confederation is praiseworthy, said the Prime Minister in his message for the Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day programme.
The Prime Minister said harmony between our mind, speech and resolve and between our action and effort can guide us away from pain and towards happiness. This inspires us to work for general welfare during good times and gives us strength to face difficult times. Lord Buddha gave us eight-fold path to achieve this harmony, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said that when Buddha, forged in the fire of sacrifice and endurance, speaks, then these are not mere words but an entire cycle of ‘Dhamm’ begins and the knowledge flowing from him become synonymous with welfare of the world. That is why today he has followers all over the world, said the Prime Minister.
Quoting ‘Dhamm Pada’, Shri Modi remarked that enmity does not quell enmity. Rather, enmity is calmed with love and by a big heart. In times of tragedy, the world has felt this power of love and harmony. As this knowledge of Buddha, this experience of humanity gets enriched, the world will touch new heights of success and prosperity, concluded the Prime Minister.
https://youtu.be/Sq6i8ZGgmqU
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Dr. M Chidananda Murthy
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Dr. M Chidananda Murthy.
“Dr. M Chidananda Murthy was a doyen of culture and literature. His passion towards Kannada language was noteworthy and so were his efforts to preserve unique aspects of our rich history. His demise is saddening. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti”, the Prime Minister said.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Makar Sankranti and Pongal
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu wished the people on the eve of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Following is the full text of his message –
“I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all our citizens on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal.
Makar Sankranti marks ‘Uttarayan’, the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun. Celebrated with different regional names all over the country, the festival is associated with the harvest season and reflects the remarkable common thread of unity that binds all Indians in our composite culture.
This agricultural festival is truly unique in its celebration of nature’s bounty and vitality, and reminds us of our symbiotic relationship with Mother Nature. The celebration is also a testament to the deep reverence our civilization has for nature. This is also an occasion to remember and revisit our roots in our villages, the cradle of our heritage and culture.
May this festive season bring good cheer in your family, strengthen togetherness in our nation and be an auspicious beginning of the good times in the coming months.”
Following is the Hindi version of the Vice President’s message:
“मैं मकर संक्रांति और पोंगल के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
मकर संक्रांति 'उत्तरायण', सूर्य के उत्तर दिशा में गमन के शुभारंभ का पर्व है। देश भर में भिन्न-भिन्न नामों से मनाया जाने वाला यह त्योहार, खेतों में तैयार फसलों की कटाई से भी जुड़ा है तथा हमारी साझी एकता के उस सूत्र को दर्शाता है जो हमारी मिली जुली संस्कृति को बांधता है।
उल्लासपूर्ण और भरी-पूरी प्रकृति का उत्सव मनाने वाला यह कृषि महोत्सव वास्तव में अद्भुत है, ये हमें प्रकृति के साथ हमारे नैसर्गिक आत्मीय संबंधों की याद दिलाता है। यह त्योहार प्रकृति के प्रति हमारी संस्कारगत अगाध श्रद्धा का भी द्योतक है। यह हमारे गाँवों, जहां हमारी विरासत और संस्कृति पल्लवित पुष्पित हुई, उन जड़ों से पुन: जुड़ने का अवसर प्रदान करता है।
त्योहारों का यह समय आपके परिवार में खुशियाँ लेकर आए, हमारे राष्ट्र में एकजुटता की भावना को दृढ़ करे और भावी भविष्य की शुभ शुरुआत करे।”
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products  Scheme gets extended to Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Articles of Iron & Steel from 15.12.2022
Taking a major step to boost exports, Centre today further expanded the scope of RoDTEP Scheme  by including the exports made from the Chemical sector, Pharmaceuticals sector and exports of articles of iron & steel under chapters 28, 29, 30 and 73 of ITC schedule of items.
The expanded list of items will be applicable for exports made from 15th December, 2022. This was a long-standing demand of the industry which has been accepted and will go a long way in boosting our exports and competitiveness in the global markets, generate employment and contribute to the overall economy. The expanded list of eligible export items under Appendix 4R will increase from current 8,731 export items  to 10,342 export items .
RoDTEP is based on the globally accepted principle that taxes and duties should not be exported, and taxes and levies borne on the exported products should be either exempted or remitted to exporters. The RoDTEP scheme rebates/refunds the embedded Central, State and local duties/taxes to the exporters that were so far not being rebated/refunded. The scheme is being implemented from 1st January 2021 and the rebate is issued as a transferable electronic scrip by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs  in an end to end IT environment.
It may be noted that Government is leaving no stone unturned to support domestic industry and make it more competitive in the international markets. Export centric industries are being reformed and introduced to better mechanisms so as to increase their competitiveness, boost exports, generate employment and contribute to the overall economy. This will go a long way in achieving our vision of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
In the present times, when exports are facing headwinds on account of signs of recession in some of the developed markets & supply chain disruptions on account of Russia-Ukraine conflict, extension of RoDTEP to uncovered sectors like Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Articles of Iron & Steel is likely to enhance the export competitiveness of these sectors.
National Financial Reporting Authority
NFRA Circular on Non-Accrual of interest on borrowings by the companies in violation of Indian Accounting Standards
It has come to the attention of the NFRA during a disciplinary action under section 132 of the Act for professional misconduct of the statutory auditor  of a listed company , that the company in the Financial Statements of 2019-20, had discontinued accrual/recognition of interest expense on its bank borrowings, which had been reportedly classified as Non-Performing Asset  by the lender banks and for which the company was negotiating One Time Settlement with the banks. This accounting treatment was in contravention of the provisions of applicable accounting standard, as these borrowings as well the interest payable thereon continued to be the financial liabilities of the company and were required to be accounted for as amortized cost in accordance with the requirements of Indian Accounting Standard  109, Financial Instruments . Similar violations have been observed in respect of several other companies too.
Mere classification of the company’s borrowings as NPAs by the lender banks does not relieve the borrowing company from its liability towards payment of interest and/or the principal. It may be relevant to note that the RBI guidelines also require the banks to maintain a Memorandum Record of Accrued Interest on the loans classified as NPAs clearly reflecting the fact that the bank has not yet legally released the borrowers from their contractual liability to pay interest on their borrowings from the bank.
In the above context, discontinuation of interest expense recognition on bank borrowings solely based on the borrowing company’s expectations of likely waiver/concession by the lender banks in the payment of interest/ principal without evidence of the legally enforceable contractual documents results in incorrect/erroneous presentation of financial performance and financial position of the borrowing company to its shareholders, investors, creditors and lenders.
In order to ensure that such violations do not occur and to ensure presentation of true and fair view of the financial statements of the companies, NFRA has issued a circular on 20.10.2022 on this subject to draw attention of all companies, audit committees, and statutory auditors. Also, Company Secretaries have been advised to draw attention of the Board of Directors of their companies to the contents of the circular.
The circular can be seen on NFRA website: https://nfra.gov.in/auditingcirculars
RM/PPG/KMN
(Visitor Counter : 1693
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Work on Char Dham Programme
Hon'ble Supreme Court in its order dated 14.12.2021 permitted widening to 2-lane with paved shoulder  of the 3 strategically important National Highways  under Char Dham Programme. Hon'ble Supreme Court has set up an "Oversight Committee" chaired by Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, former Judge of Hon'ble Supreme Court. Oversight Committee would ensure the implementation of the recommendations given in the report of High Powered Committee  constituted in terms of the order dated 08.08.2019 of Hon'ble Supreme Court. As regards remaining stretches under Char Dham Programme, HPC will oversee implementation of its recommendations for the projects. There is no ban imposed on development of Char Dham Programme.
The works under Char Dham Programme are in progress. The National Highways under Char Dham programmes passes through the districts of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Champawat and Dehradun in the State of Uttarakhand.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj. The Prime Minister has also said that his passing is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
In a tweet the Prime Minister said;
"भारतीय नृत्य कला को विश्वभर में विशिष्ट पहचान दिलाने वाले पंडित बिरजू महाराज जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनका जाना संपूर्ण कला जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति!"
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NHAI heading towards a quantum jump in award of projects –has invited bids for 10,460 km till January in FY 2017-18
The National Highways Authority of India has invited bids for a length of 10,460 km, costing nearly Rs.1,75,000 crore till January, 2018, and is all set to achieve a quantum jump in the award of road projects in the year 2017-18. Further bids in another 1,000km will be invited within the next 15 days. The average length of road projects awarded by NHAI in the last 5 years was 2,860 km, with 4,335 km awarded in 2016-17. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation had set a target for NHAI for award of 10,000 km this year. Projects for a length of nearly 2,700 km, costing Rs.43,000 crore have already been awarded by the Authority in 2017-18, and there are plans to award 3,300 km. in Feb. and 5,000 km. in March, 2018 subject to a good response in bidding and cooperation from state governments in land acquisition and project clearances.
A list of the projects awarded and tendered so far is placed below. The projects awarded and likely to be awarded by March, 2018 cover 1,900 km. in Maharashtra; 1150 km. in Rajasthan; 1,020 km. in Uttar Pradesh; 880 km. in Odisha; 745 km. in Andhra Pradesh; 740 km. in Madhya Pradesh; 650 km. in Gujarat; 620 km. in Karnataka; 570 km. in Tamilnadu; 500 km. in Bihar; 430 km. in Jharkhand; 365 km. in Telangana; 350 km. in Haryana; 280 km. in West Bengal; 270 km. in Chattisgarh; and balance in other states .
With the above jump in awards, NHAI is set to give a good beginning for the ambitious “Bharatmala Pariyojana” approved by the Government in Oct., 2017. To ensure that the targets are achieved, NHAI has set up a robust monitoring mechanism. Officials from the NHAI headquarters have been visiting project sites of critical projects and meeting officials of state governments  for expediting land acquisition and project clearances. NHAI has also recruited a large number of retired revenue officials at the field levels.
NHAI is also ramping up the pace of construction. In 2017-18, NHAI is set to complete construction in a length of 3,500 km. against the average in last 5 years of 2,170 km. To maintain the pace of construction, NHAI has commenced works on 27 new projects covering 1,330 km and will commence the work soon on another 50 projects covering 3,000 km. Banks/ financial institutions are now showing keen interest in Hybrid Annuity Mode  and financing of HAM projects is now happening smoothly.
Please click here for the list of Projects Awarded
Please click here for the list of bids invited